The Guantánamo Memoirs of Mohamedou Ould Slahi

The Guantánamo Memoirs of Mohamedou Ould Slahi

The Guantánamo Memoirs of Mohamedou Ould Slahi

Mohamedou Ould Slahi

For nearly 11 years, Mohamedou Ould Slahi has been a prisoner in Guantánamo. In 2005, he began to write his memoirs of his time in captivity. His handwritten 466-page manuscript is a harrowing account of his detention, interrogation, and abuse. Although his abuse has been corroborated by U.S. government officials, declassified documents, and independent investigators, Slahi tells his story with the detail and perspective that could only be known by himself and the people who have kept him captive. It is impossible for us to meet with him or independently verify his account. Until now, it has been impossible for him to tell his story.

This week, Slate has published a three-part series of excerpts from Slahi’s declassified memoirs. You can also read a single-page view of the three excerpts here. The entire project, including supplementary materials, is below.

INTRODUCTION:
Who is Mohamedou Ould Slahi, and how did the United States keep him silent for more than a decade?